Career and Personal Development

Graduate School

Is graduate school for me?
It’s important to evaluate your reasons for wanting to go to graduate school. Unlike most undergraduate experiences, graduate programs require that you have clear direction toward a certain career path. Ask yourself the following questions: Do my career goals require an advanced degree? Am I looking for a specialized degree only obtainable through graduate school? Do I have the motivation and desire to commit myself to the time and effort demanded by graduate school programs? Is it better for me to go part-time or get some work experience first? Make an appointment with the Career and Personal Development Office for assistance with your decision-making process.

How do I choose a graduate program?
Finding a program that fits your goals and professional interests is essential to a successful graduate school experience. Keep in mind that just because a program is in the top rankings by U.S. News & World Report doesn’t mean it’s a guaranteed best fit for you. Consider the following criteria when selecting a program:

• Program Characteristics: What is the faculty to student ratio? How long does it take to complete the curriculum? What is the reputation of the program, and how does it compare with similar programs? Does the philosophy/emphasis of the program fit with your interests and values? What are the facilities like? Will you be required to do research, internships, or a thesis?

• Faculty: What are faculty specialty areas or research interests? What kind of
involvement have they had in their respective fields? Are they well known in their
areas of expertise? Have they been active in research or publishing (tip: read some of
their publications!)? What are their distinguished achievements?

• Alumni: What are graduates of the program currently doing? What was their
experience like in the program? What are the statistics on finding employment after
graduation?

• Financial Aid: What kind of financial aid is available? How many students secure
graduate, research, or teaching assistantships? What percentage of the tuition is
covered through these opportunities? Are there scholarships available? How do you apply for aid?

Application Requirements
Different programs have different requirements. It’s important to keep track of what each program requires as well as the deadline dates for each. You may want to keep a spreadsheet for each school you are researching. Below are some of the common requirements, depending on the type of program:

• Official Transcript: this can be obtained through the Registrar’s Office in the
Bachmann Building

• Portfolio: some programs, such as those in the arts, require a portfolio which
showcases your work.

• Essays & Personal Statements: these writing samples should be taken very
seriously. Your essays should be tailored to the specific schools to which you’re
applying. For advice on writing your essay, refer to our guidelines on Writing a Personal Statement.

Letters of Recommendation: refer to our guidelines for advice about securing strong recommendation letters, as these are often critical to your success in the admissions process.

Interview: some programs require an in-person interview before they make their final decision. It’s critical that you take time to practice! Take advantage of a practice interview session available through the Career and Personal Development Office.